Chapter 3: Biosocial Theories of Crime

Question 1

4 biosocial factors that shape behavior

Answer 1

biological (hormones), genetics, brain, environment

Question 1

Purpose of biosocial theories

Answer 1

focus on identifying/undertsnaind unqiue qualities + showing how their prescence/abscence of chemical/hormonal or physical is related to the participation in illegal activities

Question 2

The foundation for biosocial theories
comes from _____

Answer 2

positivism

Question 3

Positivism is an approach to the study of human behavior that seeks to _________.

Answer 3

identify the underlying causes of behavior using the principles of s.m.

Question 4

3 core assumptions of biosocial theories

Answer 4

1) individuals are biologically unique/different from others
2) diff. in makeup account for diff. in behavior
3) criminal behavior is a result of physical constructions/characteristics identified thru observation

Question 5

Who coined atavism?

Answer 5

Lombroso

Question 6

What is atavism?

Answer 6

belief that criminals were less evolved forms of humans (ape-like) “throwbacks”,

Question 7

Lombroso wrote ___ ____ that focused on criminal anthropology and crime

Answer 7

Criminal Man

Question 8

Define physiognomy

Answer 8

identifying distinct facial features of those who commit crime

Question 9

Define phrenology

Answer 9

part os the brain control diff, social actions, more developed+ more bumps

Question 10

3 types of criminals (Lombroso)

Answer 10

born criminals, insane criminals, criminaloids

Question 11

Define born criminals

Answer 11

those less developed physcially, mentally, emotionally

Question 12

Define insane criminals

Answer 12

those with a mental deficiency or due to alcohol/drugs

Question 13

Define criminaloids

Answer 13

those with no deficiencies but in certain conditions will engage

Question 14

List core characteristics defined by Lombroso as stigmata’s

Answer 14

1. An overly large head
2. Facial features in which one side differs from one side
3. Large forehead, very narrow forehead
4. Large number of wrinkles
5. Protruding lips
6. Large jaw or cheek bones
7. Long arms
8. Pouch-like cheeks
9. Eyes or Ears that stand out from the head

Question 15

Biological factors and their relationship
to crime are affected by _____

Answer 15

social influences/ envrionment

Question 16

A study by Liggio found that adolescents consuming a ____ and ___ based diet had more behavioral problems and delinquency

Answer 16

high-carb, starch

Question 17

A study by Olds suggested that children consuming more ______ have higher IQ’s

Answer 17

fatty-acids

Question 18

Infants who are ____ are less likely to have behavior/conduct issues

Answer 18

breastfed

Question 19

Epigenetic Studies suggest that

Answer 19

genes play a role in crime
genes are passed thru families like diseases

Question 20

Behavioral genetic research has shown antisocial behavior to be ____

Answer 20

heritable

Question 21

The impact of genetic
factors on criminality
can be studied in two
different ways, what are they?

Answer 21

1) Behavior (environment) genetic analysis- family studies, twin studies
2) Molecular genetic analysis- structure/function of DNA

Question 22

How do hormones
and genetics
influence behavior?

Answer 22

The brain

Question 23

Chemicals known as
_______
allow hormones and
genetic factors to
affect behavior
continued on next slide

Answer 23

neurotransmitters

Question 24

Describe purpose of dopamine

Answer 24

-regulates mood and affect
-important for human motivation and reward processes
- sustains life

Question 25

Effects of dopamine malfunctioning

Answer 25

• account for illegal behaviors (violence, drug use)
• account for socially problematic behaviors (gambling, alcoholism)

Question 26

Describe purpose of serotonin

Answer 26

• moderates primitive drives: aggression, sex, food seeking

Question 27

Effects of Serotonin deficiency

Answer 27

• aggressive human behavior
• impulsive conduct w/ little regard for consequences

Question 28

One of the strongest links between brain development and criminality centers around _____, specifically prenatal exposure

Answer 28

alcohol

Question 29

_____ is more or less….the
trigger of the predisposed factors
continued on next slide

Answer 29

environment